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Himachal’s first Zero Budget crop yields 5 quintal per acre, encouraging says UHF
Solan: Himachal Pradesh has finally harvested the first trial crop grown under the Zero Budget Natural Farming(ZBNF) model at the Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni.
As part of Centre Government’s campaign to double farmers’ income by 2022, Acharya Devvrat had been insisting the farmers to adopt zero-budget farming since the day he was appointed as the Governor of the State.
Therefore, the University picked up the ZBNF trial project after these repeated preaching of the Acharya Devvrat, Governor and the Chancellor of the University.
Last week, the scientists of the UHF picked up peas at the ZBNF farm that falls under the Directorate of Research of the University.
The varsity claimed the results are quite encouraging. Based on the first harvest, the production is calculated to be around 5 quintals per acre land. The team is expecting up to three pickings from the crop.
Now, the varsity will sell the harvest to locals to take a feedback on the quality of the crop.
For this trial, the research team planted two varieties of peas at the farm. The first variety was P-89 while the second variety, Azad-P1, was planted 15 days later. Both varieties have coriander as a border crop, which will be ready for sale by the end of the week.
The seeds were irrigated after treating them with ‘Bijamrit.
The spray of “Jivamrit” after every 15 days of germination followed it. The scientists are now evaluating the performance of the two varieties under this model.
The results have been highly encouraging and we plan to increase the crop area under this model and also expand to crops like tomato and capsicum. The pods in each plant ranged between four to eight,
said Dr. Rajeshwar Chandel, Joint Director (Forestry) and Coordinator of ZBNF at the University.
He said the first crop faced no damage from pest and diseases despite the fact that leaf minor, an insect pest, generally appears on the crop.
Opposed to, while talking to Himachal Watcher, a local farmer of Shimla termed 5q production per acre as low quantity. He also questioned the government over the arrangement of ensuring a better price for ZBNF crops in markets as compared to traditionally grown crops.
The cow dung and other components required to prepare Bijamrit and Jivamrit add to the cost if the farmer is not rearing cattle or lack sufficient cattle to produce enough dung. Cattle rearing also include expenses, the farmer said.
He expressed doubts over the government’s claim to double the farmers’ income by 2022.
While kicking- off the project on Jan 30, 2018, the Governor had stated that traditional farming uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides, while the organic farming was very costly for farmers. Both cases are not viable for the farmers’ community, he had said.
Instead, in the ZBNF, the farmers use manure produced from cow dung, urine, jaggery and gram flour. The pesticides are produced from local products with no side-effects. Moreover, the Governor had added that zero-budget farming is producing quality equal to traditional farming.
Apart from peas, the university has also planted cauliflower, onion, and fenugreek under the ZBNF model. These crops will be ready for harvest by the end of the March 2018. Various departments of the university are also undertaking studies under this natural farming model in their research.
Read More About Zero Budget Natural Farming
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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